ART IN HIS HEART

Turkish artist Kemal Yazici uses art to showcase his life experiences and inspire young artists.

Turkishcontemporary abstract artist Kemal Yazici defines his art as an expression of the culmination of various cultural, professional, and geographical experiences in his life. Born in a small town in the Turkish Aegean, Kemal later moved to Germany with his parents. At the age of sixteen, he began training in a metal branch and received a certificate in craftsmanship. In university, he studied architecture while simultaneously learning about different artistic mediums, such as watercolour, acrylic, and oil painting. With a successful career as an architect in Germany, he shifted back to Turkey in 2004 to start his own construction business.

With his passion for creativity, Kemal started painting as a personal hobby, creating artwork inspired by acclaimed German abstract artist Gerhard Richter. In 2014, Kemal relocated to Dubai. Within five years, he decided to pursue his art full time. In 2022, he opened a studio and gallery in Al Quoz, Dubai—the perfect location to showcase his work to the city’s creative crowd. His work features intricate details that invite the viewer to gauge meaning in his array of colours, textures and layers. He is fascinated with geometrical and organic shapes and lines. His creative process includes using self-made heavy tools to transform a blank canvas into a piece of art that allows the viewer to transcend into a journey of self-discovery.

With every stroke, Kemal brings himself closer to achieving his vision of a world where every child has access to art. He aims to fund and educate children in his community to inspire young minds to indulge in their own creative pursuits. With a unique technique, Kemal is a visionary in the Dubai art scene, representing the powerful mastery of different professions and combining them to produce elegant artwork.

Where do you find inspiration for your artistic creations?

I’m inspired by the local beaches, the architecture of the region, and the desert. My art also reflects the memories from the places I’ve lived before, such as the woods I saw as a child in Germany, the fishermen, and the sailing boats in Bodrum.

What does your creative process look like?

I start by choosing the colours and medium to paint with. I usually paint in the morning in my studio. My art depends on my mood that particular day. The impressions of the world around me tend to reflect in my work. Layering is a huge part of my process. I use my own tools, such as a squeegee, palette, or even self-made tools to create compositions with varying textures and organic shapes.

With your background in construction and architecture, how did you decide to transition your career to being a contemporary abstract artist?

Art has always been my passion. After working as a metal technician and an architect, I finally wanted to pursue art. I’m grateful to be able to transition to my career as a full-time artist with my own gallery. It’s been my dream to be able to have a dedicated space to create and exhibit art.

You are committed to funding and educating young artists. Why is this important to you?

Art is a way for young minds to express their imagination. I want to make art accessible to children, especially those who are unable to afford it. It’s an important aspect of learning and expanding their creativity. I wish for every child who wants to learn art to be able to do it without limitations.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in your field over the past decade? How have these changes influenced your work? Over the past decade, the art world has constantly evolved. We’ve seen many new exhibitions, and the art scene in itself is evolving globally with Dubai also becoming a cultural hub for artists and art lovers. The digital landscape has also expanded, seeing more people are actively creating and selling art online. In this post-pandemic world, we are also witnessing the rise of new mediums of creating art, including NFTs and now AI also entering the market. I started selling my artworks online, and I keep my community updated on social media, sharing glimpses of what it’s like to be an artist in Dubai.

Outside of the region, who do you see as your peers? With whom do you share affinities, and with whom have you collaborated?

I’ve participated in group exhibitions such as Elements in Bodrum Loft, Hamdi Akin in Turkey in 2020.Recently, I was also part of a group exhibition for the 99th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey at Rixos Premium JBR, Dubai. It was truly an honour to be able to present my artworks in the exhibition. I have not collaborated with any artists as of yet. I create my own artworks in my studio at Bedia Gallery.

Outside of the region, who do you see as your peers and why? With whom do you share affinities, and with whom have you collaborated?

I’ve participated in group exhibitions such as “Elements” in Bodrum Loft, Hamdi Akin in Turkey in 2020. Recently, I was also part of a group exhibition for the 99th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey at Rixos Premium JBR, Dubai. It was truly an honor to be able to present my artworks in the exhibition.I have not collaborated with any artists so far. I create my own artworks in my studio at Bedia Gallery.

How do you envision your studio/gallery in the future? How will it be different from today?

I’m not sure where the world will be headed in five or ten years, but I hope to collaborate with curators and different artists. In the beginning, our focus will be on German, Turkish, and local artists. However, slowly we plan to collaborate with artists from other regions too.The team is also working on participating in local art shows and exhibitions.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

I think for aspiring artists, finding the right market to position themselves is truly important. Dubai is one of those places. The emirate is part of a region that is constantly evolving and adapting to changes taking place in the world.Hard work is really important in life, and I believe that if you really want something, you will do whatever it takes to get there. Having a good mindset is one of the key features that any aspiring artist should have.